§ Mr. Martyn JonesTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the ways in which his Department has demonstrated the ability to improve efficiency and competitiveness through an environmental audit of waste management within those buildings his Department occupies; and if he will make a statement. [16430]
§ Mrs. Angela KnightAn environmental assessment using the Building Research Establishment "tool kit" has been carried out at the offices occupied by HM Treasury at Allington Towers in Victoria with a view to accreditation under ISO 14001. Officials are now considering the recommendations and ways of taking this forward. Extending the assessment to the main building in Parliament street—government offices, Great George street—will not be cost effective, given the proposed redevelopment and the short time we expect to remain in the building in its current configuration. The proposed redevelopment project places an obligation on the private sector partner to ensure that an "excellent" rating under the Building Research Establishment's environmental assessment method system is obtained. We intend to obtain a BREEAM rating for waste management once we reoccupy.